the pike group

Military Moves

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How to Choose the Right Neighbourhood When Posted to Halifax

When you get your posting to Halifax, the first big question isn’t “When do we move?” — it’s “Where should we live?”

Halifax has an incredible mix of neighbourhoods, from ocean-view communities to suburban family hubs. But finding the right fit depends on your lifestyle, commute, and what matters most to your family. After helping hundreds of DND members relocate here, I can tell you: choosing the right neighbourhood isn’t just about location — it’s about how you want to live.


Start with Your Commute

Your work location matters. Halifax has two main bases:

  • CFB Halifax (Stadacona & Dockyard) — near downtown Halifax.

  • CFB Shearwater — located in Eastern Passage, just outside Dartmouth.

Here’s what your commute looks like from some popular communities:

Neighbourhood

To CFB Halifax

To Shearwater

Notes

Downtown Halifax

5–10 mins

25 mins

Walkable, urban, pricey

Bedford

20–30 mins

35–40 mins

Suburban, great schools

Dartmouth (Downtown)

15 mins (via bridge)

10 mins

Great mix of value and access

Eastern Passage

25 mins

5 mins

Perfect for Shearwater postings

Fall River/Waverley

30–35 mins

45 mins

Spacious, quiet, and family-friendly

Clayton Park/Fairmount

15–20 mins

30–35 mins

Central and convenient

Hammonds Plains

25–35 mins

40–45 mins

Larger homes, semi-rural vibe

Traffic isn’t Toronto-level chaos, but rush hour over the bridges can test anyone’s patience. If your posting is temporary, consider proximity first. If you plan to stay longer, prioritize lifestyle.


Factor in Schools and Family Life

If you have kids, school zones can make or break your decision. Halifax has several top-rated schools across HRM, both public and private.

  • Bedford: Highly ranked elementary and secondary schools; Bedford South School and CP Allen High are favourites among families.

  • Fall River/Waverley: Known for Waverley Memorial and Lockview High — excellent reputations and community involvement.

  • Eastern Passage: Ocean View Elementary and Island View High are solid options, and the commute to Shearwater is unbeatable.

  • Clayton Park: Home to Halifax West High, plus French immersion programs.

  • Halifax Peninsula: Options like Halifax Grammar and Armbrae Academy for private schooling.

If you’re moving mid-year, ask about school boundaries — they can shift as neighbourhoods grow. I often help relocating families verify these zones before buying.


Match Your Lifestyle to Your Neighbourhood

Every part of Halifax has its own rhythm. Matching that to your day-to-day life makes a world of difference.

If You Want Walkability and Action

  • Where to Look: Downtown Halifax, Hydrostone, or Downtown Dartmouth.

  • Why: You can walk to cafés, the waterfront, and work — perfect for singles or couples.

  • Vibe: Trendy, energetic, and filled with character homes or modern condos.

If You Want Family Comfort and Schools

  • Where to Look: Bedford, Clayton Park, or Fall River.

  • Why: Bigger homes, cul-de-sacs, and family amenities.

  • Vibe: Friendly, suburban, and full of community events.

If You Want Coastal Living

  • Where to Look: Eastern Passage, Cow Bay, or Hubbards.

  • Why: Ocean air, quiet streets, and affordable homes.

  • Vibe: Peaceful, close-knit, and perfect for nature lovers.

If You Want Space and Privacy

  • Where to Look: Hammonds Plains or Waverley.

  • Why: Larger lots, trees, and a slower pace.

  • Vibe: Executive suburban meets cottage-country.


Consider Long-Term Resale Value

Even if you’re only here for a few years, it’s smart to think about resale.

  • Bedford and Clayton Park hold value exceptionally well.

  • Downtown Halifax properties appreciate fastest, but cost more up front.

  • Eastern Passage and Dartmouth offer strong entry-level opportunities and solid appreciation.

A well-located home close to amenities and within 30 minutes of base typically performs best over time.


Use Your House-Hunting Trip Wisely

If you’re on a BGRS-sponsored house-hunting trip, use it to explore beyond listings. Drive different routes at rush hour, visit local grocery stores, and walk the neighbourhood in the evening. You’ll learn more in 30 minutes on the ground than hours of online research can tell you.

Pro tip: bring a local agent (like me!) who already knows which neighbourhoods fit DND life best. It’ll save you time and stress.


Making Halifax Home

Choosing the right neighbourhood is the foundation of a happy posting. Halifax truly has something for everyone — and with a bit of guidance, you’ll find the spot that feels just right.

Whether you’re drawn to city life, suburban comfort, or the ocean’s edge, your ideal Halifax neighbourhood is out there waiting.


Not sure which Halifax neighbourhood fits your lifestyle and posting? Contact Sandra Pike and The Pike Group at Royal LePage Atlantic for expert relocation guidance tailored to DND families.

Read

Andrea Davis

Comox Valley

Andrea Davis has come home to the Comox Valley for the lifestyle she loves. She started her successful Real Estate career in Ontario while her husband was posted there, Reaching top 6-10% in the regional market place.

Contact Andrea Today

Sales Representative at Royal LePage

Who is Andrea?

“When my husband retired, after 25 years in the Canadian Military, it was a short conversation to decide where to move with our family. Out of all the places we lived, the Comox Valley has always been the place we considered home.” For most people their home is the biggest investment of their life. Andrea knows the details that reduce the risk and understands the stress of moving. She focuses on finding clients the right home. Repeat business and referrals are the foundation of her business. She makes a donation for every sale to the Royal LePage Shelter Foundation. Her work ethic will move you. In 2018 Andrea was excited to make Directors Platinum which is top 5% in her marketplace.

Jane Furter Broker, B.A. (HONS)

Kingston, Ontario.

RRP- REGISTERED RELOCATION PROFESSIONAL

Real Estate Broker Royal LePage

Contact Jane Today

Real Estate Broker Royal LePage

Jane Furter Approach

Welcome to beautiful Kingston, Ontario.  Buying or selling a home is a big decision and you need an experienced professional to guide you through the process. When you work with me, you can count on personal, attentive, patient service, excellent knowledge of the area, great negotiation skills and expert selling strategies.

Jennifer Turcotte

Petawawa

Real Estate Broker RE/MAX

Contact Jennifer Today

REAL ESTATE BROKER RE/MAX

Jennifer Approach

Jennifer brings to the table a strong background in sales, marketing and negotiation. Emphasis on extraordinary service producing outstanding results is the backbone of her business and this philosophy has served her clients well over the years. Because of the unparalleled service provided by Jennifer, clients return time and again and also are happy to refer their family and friends. You can always be assured that your real estate needs will be met and exceed when Jennifer handles your real estate transaction in Petawawa, Pembroke, Deep River, Chalk River and beyond!

Adam Mills

OTTAWA

Real Estate Agent Royal LePage

4-3101 STRANDHERD DR, OTTAWA ON K2G 4R9

Contact Adam Today

Real Estate Agent Royal LePage

Who is Adam?

Adam Mills is an energetic, dedicated and approachable professional who strives to assist his clients in fulfilling their real estate dreams. He provides expert and timely guidance and aims to build long-lasting and professional relationships.
With an honours bachelor of commerce degree, specializing in marketing, Adam’s creativity and ingenuity create positive results. His goal is to maximize your return on investment in a timely fashion.
For Buyers: Adam’s comprehensive market knowledge and strong negotiating skills will ensure you find a home that meets your needs and wants at a great price.

Karen Syroid

GAGETOWN

The Real Estate industry is one big misunderstood paradox for most people. It's a Universal language; everyone speaks it - and yet there are still so many questions surrounding it. In my previous experience as a Real Estate consumer, not knowing what questions to ask I realized the process needed work.

Contact Karen Today

Real Estate Agent Royal LePage

Who is Karen?

My career prior to choosing Real Estate was pretty darn awesome, spanning 10 years of people and relationship management in both Private and Public sectors. In my District Sales Management role I managed 6 talented leaders spanning 3 provinces and 160 sales staff, and was awarded Top District Manager and Top Talent Retention for Canada and the US. Travelling for a living was exciting but starting a family was a personal goal and priority. After proceeding to work in a Management role with the NB Government, including leading and negotiating a National contract on behalf of the Province, it was time to put my professional skillset to work in the Real Estate sector.
My friends and family would say I live life in the fullest way. An optimist by nature and always open to new experiences. Last minute trip? Concert tickets for tonight? I'm your girl I absolutely love spending quality time with my family, turning the TV off and playing board games, and I truly value the lost art of conversation over a gin or craft beer. I have a passion for home design and I believe in buying local, supporting and investing in our Community and growing our local market. And not to brag but pretty sure if there was a sommelier equivalent for nachos and poutine, I'd make Master level.
My husband would consider me a risk taker but I would argue a calculated one. Did I leave a fulfilling, Full Time, permanent and pensioned career with the Government for the unknown? I sure did but you'd better believe it was a 5-year move in the making and it came with a solid business plan - and as they say, with great risk comes great reward. Our daughter Kate was born in 2017 which has been the greatest reward of all, and I'm proud to be instilling in her the values I was taught growing up; that women are smart, powerful, resilient, independent, inspirational...they can have a strong work ethic and a fulfilling career, AND be the nurturing, soft place to fall that children need.
The recognition with Royal LePage has come quickly, reaching Diamond level (top 3%) and Top 10 individual agents in the Atlantics consistently since 2014. Selling Real Estate is a form of art. It takes good clear thought, strategy, planning and great instinct. My mission is to Re-define Real Estate, and I've been “doing it” for hundreds of clients since 2012.

Susan Horon

Edmonton

Real Estate Agent
Royal LePage Noralta Real Estate

Contact Susan Today

Real Estate Agent Royal LePage Noralta Real Estate

Who is Susan?

Susan can be described as an energetic and caring professional. Her moral code is to treat every client as she would want to be treated. This means you can expect respect and attention to detail. Value for the time and effort you are investing with her. After 17 years as a full time real estate agent her wealth of knowledge in the industry is a valuable asset to any form of Real Estate, especially relocation. She is a lifelong resident of Edmonton and has a strong grasp of each community in and around Edmonton. She knows what these areas have to offer and how to translate that into a wise real estate investment for you. Your house needs to be a home, but also needs to be a smart choice for your future. As we know in relocations, tomorrow may bring more change and she is always thinking resale not just a quick sale. She has plenty of experience with Military relocations. These situations require dedication, sense of urgency, patience, a strong grasp of the protocols required and the ability to guide the client appropriately. She understands the stress a relocation has on a family and will make every effort to relieve as much of that stress as she can. Her goal as your agent is create long lasting relationships with you through trust and proven commitment.

Susan is a proud supporter of the Royal LePage Shelter Foundation helping many women and children across Canada face life’s adversities. Susan was the past chair and governor of the Edmonton Realtors Community Foundation which has given back over $3 million to the grassroots charities in the area. She cares about her city and donates time and money to improve it. Susan is honored to be an educational trainer for Royal LePage Noralta, teaching new agents how to be successful in their career. Previously Susan worked 19 years in the dental industry. She has brought with her to real estate the strong ethics and high standard of service she learned in that previous career. This has all translated in to success as a top producing Real Estate professional.